Veterinary Care Page 8

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ADV In Skunks

Aleutian Disease Virus is suspect in the deaths of skunks in increasing numbers. All appearances are that a severe outbreak occurred in 2005 which has led to increased concern by skunk owners and veterinarians alike. Further study will be conducted to better determine cause and effective treatment.

More information can be found on our ADV page.


Case 1

Lady Bug - Deb Cipriani

Necropsy report
Photo excerpt of necropsy report for Lady Bug
Necropsy performed by Ohio State Animal Diagnostics Lab
Photocopy by Deb Cipriani
Liver tissue slide Liver tissue slide
Autolytic liver (left) is strongly positive for Aleutian disease virus (right)
Spleen tissue slide Spleen tissue slide
Autolytic spleen (left) is strongly positive for Aleutian disease virus (right)
Photos by University of Georgia 

Case 2

Morpheus - Michelle Tate

Necropsy report
Photo excerpt of necropsy report for Morpheus
Necropsy performed by Ohio State Animal Diagnostics Lab
Photocopy by Deb Cipriani
Liver tissue slide Liver tissue slide
Autolytic liver (left) is strongly positive for Aleutian Disease Virus (right)
Spleen tissue slide Spleen tissue slide
Autolytic spleen (left) is strongly positive for Aleutian Disease Virus (right)
Photos by University of Georgia 

Tissue Sample Submission

Current DNA Test

For the time being, tests for live skunk serum is not available. For skunks that pass on, there is a commercial test up and running, for a fee. When a skunk passes on tissue/organ samples can be sent in for testing. Please complete the Submission Form and send along with the samples.

We are asking that anyone having testing done in the future to please send a copy of the resuls to Skunk Haven™ for our database. All information will be confidential and will be used for research and tracking of ADV. As discussed with Kate, if she returns to her research on ADV this information will be valuable for her as well.

University of Georgia - PCR/ELISA Testing

At this time University of Georgia has stopped their research on ADV in skunks. Kate, who was doing this research, will be moving to another state, she has been accepted into vet school and no one will be taking her place. She has opened a whole new world for domestic pet skunk owners with her research. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Kate, she will be greatly missed.

University of Georgia is in the process of developing a commercial ADV test for our live skunks. We will be able to send in serum to be tested for a fee. Sadly, we do not know when that process will be completed. Once it is we will have the submission form up on our web site. Please check back.


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